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Scotland (Great Britain)
Invertebrates (except bees) Regulations
Vaccinations
Dogs, cats and ferrets must meet Great Britain’s pet travel rules. A valid rabies vaccination is required and must be given after the pet is microchipped.
- Pet must be microchipped before rabies vaccination.
- Primary rabies vaccination: wait at least 21 days before entering Great Britain.
- Keep boosters up to date per the vaccine manufacturer; if kept current, no new 21‑day wait is needed after a booster.
- Bring the pet’s vaccination record as part of the travel document packet.
Certifications
For non-commercial movements (generally 5 pets or fewer, not for sale/rehoming, and within 5 days of the owner or an authorised person), a Great Britain pet health certificate issued by an Official Veterinarian in the exporting country is required. Use an approved GB route/carrier.
- Certificate must be issued by an Official Veterinarian authorised by the exporting country’s competent authority.
- Details must match the pet’s microchip and rabies vaccination.
- Travel using approved carriers and routes for pets.
If someone other than the owner is accompanying the pet, or if pet and owner travel within 5 days of each other, an owner declaration may be required.
- Complete and carry the owner declaration when required under GB pet travel rules.
Microchip
ISO-compliant microchip (11784/11785) required and must be implanted before rabies vaccination.
Origin Requirements
No origin-specific requirements for this pet.
More Info
Approved routes and carrier checks
PETS must arrive using an approved route and carrier. Transport carriers will check pet travel documents before boarding/arrival.
- Book only on approved GB pet travel routes and with approved carriers.
- Have documents ready for carrier checks.
Tapeworm treatment (dogs only)
Dogs must receive a tapeworm (Echinococcus multilocularis) treatment 24–120 hours before arrival, administered by a veterinarian. Some specific origin exemptions apply as set out in GB rules.
- Veterinary treatment 24–120 hours before arrival; record details in the pet’s travel document.
If requirements are not met
Pets that do not meet entry requirements may be refused entry or placed in quarantine at the owner’s expense.
Commercial movements and other cases
Movements involving more than 5 pets (unless exempt for competitions/events), for sale/rehoming, or separated by more than 5 days from the owner may be classed as commercial and follow different rules and entry points.
Import-Specific Links
Bringing your pet dog, cat or ferret to Great Britain (core rules) Travel routes for pets Pet travel: approved air, sea and rail carriers and routes Pet travel: checks on pets by transport carriers Put your pet in rabies quarantine Great Britain pet health certificate (non-commercial dogs, cats, ferrets) – templateOfficial Source(s)
Bringing your pet dog, cat or ferret to Great Britain (core rules) Travel routes for pets Pet travel: approved air, sea and rail carriers and routes Bringing pets to Great Britain (overview/other species and licences) Bringing pets to Great Britain: travelling from outside the EU Put your pet in rabies quarantine Import of pet birds – Import Information Note PBTC/2 Live animals (not pet dogs, cats, ferrets): import licence application (RM01) Pet travel: checks on pets by transport carriers USDA APHIS – Pet Travel from the United States to the United Kingdom/Great BritainVaccinations
Pet birds are subject to specific avian disease control conditions. Options in the GB rules include pre-export isolation/testing or managed isolation/quarantine periods.
- Follow the movement options set out for pet birds in GB guidance (see PBTC/2).
- Do not take birds to shows/exhibitions or gatherings for a period after entry if required by the conditions.
Certifications
A model health certificate for non-commercial pet birds must be completed by an Official Veterinarian in the exporting country, following the applicable movement option.
- Use the GB model certificate GBHC611_PB for pet birds.
- Ensure individual identification details match (e.g., leg ring or microchip).
Advance notification to APHA is required for import of pet birds.
- Submit prior notification as specified in Import Information Note PBTC/2.
Microchip
Pet birds must be individually identified (for example, a closed leg ring or microchip/transponder) as recorded on the health certificate.
Origin Requirements
No origin-specific requirements for this pet.
More Info
Approved entry points
Pet birds must enter Great Britain via approved entry airports listed in PBTC/2.
- Plan arrival only at an approved GB airport for pet birds.
Post-entry residence
After entry, birds must be moved to a household or residence and may be subject to a period of isolation and movement restrictions as per the chosen movement option.
Official Source(s)
Bringing your pet dog, cat or ferret to Great Britain (core rules) Travel routes for pets Pet travel: approved air, sea and rail carriers and routes Bringing pets to Great Britain (overview/other species and licences) Bringing pets to Great Britain: travelling from outside the EU Put your pet in rabies quarantine Import of pet birds – Import Information Note PBTC/2 Live animals (not pet dogs, cats, ferrets): import licence application (RM01) Pet travel: checks on pets by transport carriers USDA APHIS – Pet Travel from the United States to the United Kingdom/Great BritainVaccinations
Not specified.
Certifications
Live animals other than pet dogs, cats and ferrets generally require an APHA import licence before entry to Great Britain.
- Apply for an import licence using form RM01 and follow any licence conditions.
Microchip
Not specified.
Origin Requirements
No origin-specific requirements for this pet.
More Info
Species-specific controls
Additional disease safeguards or other regulatory controls may apply. Check the GB overview guidance and your licence conditions.
Official Source(s)
Bringing your pet dog, cat or ferret to Great Britain (core rules) Travel routes for pets Pet travel: approved air, sea and rail carriers and routes Bringing pets to Great Britain (overview/other species and licences) Bringing pets to Great Britain: travelling from outside the EU Put your pet in rabies quarantine Import of pet birds – Import Information Note PBTC/2 Live animals (not pet dogs, cats, ferrets): import licence application (RM01) Pet travel: checks on pets by transport carriers USDA APHIS – Pet Travel from the United States to the United Kingdom/Great BritainVaccinations
Not specified.
Certifications
Live animals other than pet dogs, cats and ferrets generally require an APHA import licence before entry to Great Britain.
- Apply for an import licence using form RM01 and comply with all licence conditions.
Microchip
Not specified.
Origin Requirements
No origin-specific requirements for this pet.
More Info
Species-specific controls
Additional disease safeguards or other regulatory controls may apply. Check the GB overview guidance and your licence conditions.
Official Source(s)
Bringing your pet dog, cat or ferret to Great Britain (core rules) Travel routes for pets Pet travel: approved air, sea and rail carriers and routes Bringing pets to Great Britain (overview/other species and licences) Bringing pets to Great Britain: travelling from outside the EU Put your pet in rabies quarantine Import of pet birds – Import Information Note PBTC/2 Live animals (not pet dogs, cats, ferrets): import licence application (RM01) Pet travel: checks on pets by transport carriers USDA APHIS – Pet Travel from the United States to the United Kingdom/Great BritainVaccinations
Not specified.
Certifications
Import of salamanders requires authorisation. An APHA import licence is generally required before entry to Great Britain. Safeguard disease measures may apply.
- Apply for an import licence using form RM01 and follow any additional safeguard measures required at the time of import.
Microchip
Not specified.
Origin Requirements
No origin-specific requirements for this pet.
More Info
Safeguard measures
Additional disease safeguard measures can supersede standard rules for salamanders. Check the latest GB guidance and licence conditions before travel.
Official Source(s)
Bringing your pet dog, cat or ferret to Great Britain (core rules) Travel routes for pets Pet travel: approved air, sea and rail carriers and routes Bringing pets to Great Britain (overview/other species and licences) Bringing pets to Great Britain: travelling from outside the EU Put your pet in rabies quarantine Import of pet birds – Import Information Note PBTC/2 Live animals (not pet dogs, cats, ferrets): import licence application (RM01) Pet travel: checks on pets by transport carriers USDA APHIS – Pet Travel from the United States to the United Kingdom/Great BritainVaccinations
Not specified.
Certifications
Ornamental/aquarium fish may require an APHA import licence before entry to Great Britain.
- Apply for an import licence using form RM01 and comply with any licence and health conditions.
Microchip
Not specified.
Origin Requirements
No origin-specific requirements for this pet.
More Info
Species-specific controls
Some species may be subject to additional controls (e.g., invasive species rules). Check GB guidance and licence conditions.
Official Source(s)
Bringing your pet dog, cat or ferret to Great Britain (core rules) Travel routes for pets Pet travel: approved air, sea and rail carriers and routes Bringing pets to Great Britain (overview/other species and licences) Bringing pets to Great Britain: travelling from outside the EU Put your pet in rabies quarantine Import of pet birds – Import Information Note PBTC/2 Live animals (not pet dogs, cats, ferrets): import licence application (RM01) Pet travel: checks on pets by transport carriers USDA APHIS – Pet Travel from the United States to the United Kingdom/Great BritainVaccinations
Not specified.
Certifications
Reptiles generally require an APHA import licence before entry to Great Britain.
- Apply for an import licence using form RM01 and comply with any licence conditions.
Microchip
Not specified.
Origin Requirements
No origin-specific requirements for this pet.
More Info
Species-specific controls
Some reptile species may also be subject to other regulatory controls. Check GB guidance and licence conditions.
Official Source(s)
Bringing your pet dog, cat or ferret to Great Britain (core rules) Travel routes for pets Pet travel: approved air, sea and rail carriers and routes Bringing pets to Great Britain (overview/other species and licences) Bringing pets to Great Britain: travelling from outside the EU Put your pet in rabies quarantine Import of pet birds – Import Information Note PBTC/2 Live animals (not pet dogs, cats, ferrets): import licence application (RM01) Pet travel: checks on pets by transport carriers USDA APHIS – Pet Travel from the United States to the United Kingdom/Great BritainVaccinations
Not specified.
Certifications
Amphibians (other than dogs, cats, ferrets) generally require an APHA import licence before entry to Great Britain.
- Apply for an import licence using form RM01 and meet any licence conditions.
Microchip
Not specified.
Origin Requirements
No origin-specific requirements for this pet.
More Info
Species-specific controls
Additional safeguard measures can apply to amphibians depending on species and disease status. Check current GB guidance and licence conditions.
Official Source(s)
Bringing your pet dog, cat or ferret to Great Britain (core rules) Travel routes for pets Pet travel: approved air, sea and rail carriers and routes Bringing pets to Great Britain (overview/other species and licences) Bringing pets to Great Britain: travelling from outside the EU Put your pet in rabies quarantine Import of pet birds – Import Information Note PBTC/2 Live animals (not pet dogs, cats, ferrets): import licence application (RM01) Pet travel: checks on pets by transport carriers USDA APHIS – Pet Travel from the United States to the United Kingdom/Great BritainVaccinations
Not specified.
Certifications
Most invertebrates (except bees) require an APHA import licence before entry to Great Britain.
- Apply for an import licence using form RM01 and follow any licence conditions.
Microchip
Not specified.
Origin Requirements
No origin-specific requirements for this pet.
More Info
Species-specific controls
Some invertebrates may have additional controls (e.g., invasive species rules). Check GB guidance and licence conditions.
